Replaceable tip for a bit or auger bit

ABSTRACT

A tool element for cutting a workpiece includes a body including a shank for connecting the tool element to a power tool, a first cutting portion formed as part of the body and defining a first removing pattern, and a cutting element removably coupled to the body and including a second cutting portion defining a second removing pattern, the second removing pattern being a substantial continuation of the first removing pattern.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/539,379, filed Oct. 6, 2006, which claimed the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/724,400, filed Oct. 8, 2005,the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to tool elements and, moreparticularly, to bits, auger bits, concrete bits, etc.

BACKGROUND

With a bit, such as, for example, an auger bit, the tip portion cuts thework piece, and the remainder of the bit generally removes material cutfrom the work piece. The cutting tip portion may wear, requiring someaction by the user (e.g., sharpening of the cutting portion(s),replacement of the entire bit, etc.).

A user will typically select a tool element, such as, for example, abit, an auger bit, a concrete bit, etc., based on one or more of price(in many cases), durability (e.g., against nail impacts), ability tore-sharpen numerous times (e.g., quick on-site repair or via sharpeningservice, etc.), etc. On a job site, many users have a container(s)filled with dulled or damaged bits, auger bits, etc., which may be helduntil a cost effective re-sharpening service is found. Many of thesebits may be damaged beyond repair (bent shafts, broken feed screws,damaged cutting edge, etc.). However, users do not typically view theseproducts as disposable. For example, due to the expense of an auger bit,a user will make a significant effort to repair the bit.

SUMMARY

In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a tool element,such as, for example, a bit, an auger bit, a concrete bit, etc., maygenerally include a body and a cutting portion removably and/orreplaceably connected to the body.

In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a tool elementfor cutting a workpiece is provided and includes a body including ashank for connecting the tool element to a power tool and a cuttingelement removably connectable to the body.

In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a tool element,such as, for example, a bit, an auger bit, a concrete bit, etc., maygenerally include a body and a cutting tip portion connected to thebody, the body being formed of a first material and/or first process,the cutting tip portion being formed of a second material and/or secondprocess different than the first material and/or first process.

In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a tool elementfor cutting a workpiece is provided and includes a body including ashank for connecting the tool element to a power tool, the body beingmade of a first material, and a cutting element removably connectable tothe body, the cutting element being made of a second material differentthan the first material.

In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a tool elementassembly, such as, for example, a bit, an auger bit, a concrete bit,etc., may generally include a body, a first cutting portion removablyconnectable to the body, and a second cutting portion removablyconnectable to the body, the first cutting portion and the secondcutting portion being different.

In some independent aspects and in some constructions, a tool elementfor cutting a workpiece is provided and includes a body including ashank for connecting the tool element to a power tool, a first cuttingelement removably connected to the body, and a second cutting elementseparate from the first cutting element and being removably connected tothe body.

In one construction, the invention provides a tool element for cutting aworkpiece. The tool element includes a body including a shank forconnecting the tool element to a power tool, a first cutting portionformed as part of the body and defining a first removing pattern, and

a cutting element removably coupled to the body and including a secondcutting portion defining a second removing pattern, the second removingpattern being a substantial continuation of the first removing pattern.

In another construction, the invention provides a tool element forcutting a workpiece. The tool element includes a body including a shankfor connecting the tool element to a power tool and a helical portionarranged to direct material toward the shank and a first cutting elementremovably connected to the body and defining one and only one cuttingsurface. A second cutting element is removably connected to the bodysuch that the first cutting element is retained between the body and thesecond cutting element when the second cutting element is connected tothe body.

In another construction, the invention provides a tool element forcutting a workpiece. The tool element includes a body including a shankfor connecting the tool element to a power tool and a first cuttingelement removably connected to the body and defining one and only onecutting surface. A second cutting element is removably connected to thebody such that the first cutting element is between the body and thesecond cutting element when the second cutting element is connected tothe body.

Independent features and independent advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of thedetailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-4 are perspective views of a tool element, such as, for example,an auger bit.

FIGS. 5-8 are perspective views of another construction of a toolelement, such as, for example, an auger bit.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tool element shownin FIGS. 5-8, taken along line 9-9.

FIGS. 10-12 are alternative constructions of the cross-sectional view ofa portion of the tool element shown in FIGS. 5-8.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another construction of a toolelement, such as, for example, an auger bit.

FIGS. 14-17 are perspective views of a further construction of a toolelement, such as, for example, an auger bit.

FIGS. 18-20 are perspective views of another construction of a toolelement, such as, for example, an auger bit.

Before any independent features and embodiments of the invention areexplained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of the construction and thearrangement of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in variousways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology usedherein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded aslimiting.

Although references are made below to directions, such as left, right,up, down, top, bottom, front, rear, forward, back, etc., in describingthe drawings, the references are made relative to the drawings (asnormally viewed) for convenience. These directions are not intended tobe taken literally or to limit the present invention in any form.

The use of “including”, “having”, and “comprising” and variationsthereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter andequivalents thereof as well as additional items. The use of letters toidentify elements of a method or process is simply for identificationand is not meant to indicate that the elements should be performed in aparticular order.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Constructions of a tool element 20, such as, for example, a bit, anauger bit, a Selfeed bit, a boring bit, a Bellhanger bit, anelectrician's bit, a cable bit, a Forstner bit, a concrete bit, a hammerbit, a core bit, a large hole system bit, etc., are illustrated in thefigures. Independent aspects of the illustrated bits may be incorporatedin other tool elements, such as, for example, hole saws, hole sawarbors, pilot drills, saw blades, grinding wheels, chisels, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the bit 20 generally includes a body 24, ashank 28 for connecting the bit 20 to a power tool, and a cuttingelement or portion 32 removably and/or replaceably connected to the body24. In the illustrated construction, the cutting portion 32 and the body24 twist together to connect to one another. In this manner, the body 24and the cutting portion 32 have complementary surfaces that allow thebody 24 and the cutting portion 32 to be twisted and secured together.The connection between the body 24 and the cutting portion 32 issufficient to withstand normal operating conditions of the bit 20, butfacilitates removability of the cutting portion 32 from the body 24 whena user desires such removal. In some independent aspects and inillustrated constructions, the body 24 may be formed of a first materialand/or first process and the cutting portion 32 may be formed of asecond material and/or second process different than the first materialand/or first process. In some independent aspects and in illustratedconstructions, the bit 20 also includes a second cutting portion or feedscrew 36 removably connectable to the body 24 and the first cuttingportion 32. In the illustrated construction, the feed screw 36 isthreaded into an opening 39 defined in the cutting portion 32. In someconstructions, the feed screw 36 can assist in removably and/orreplaceably connecting the first cutting portion 32 to the body 24 bypassing completely through the cutting portion 32 and threading to thebody 24 to compress the cutting portion 32 between the feed screw 36 andthe body 24, thereby securing the cutting portion 32 to the body 24. Thefeed screw 36 and the first cutting portion 32 are formed separatelyfrom one another and may be formed of the same material or may be formedof a different material.

Because the first and second cutting portions 32, 36 cut the work piece,they may wear over time. Accordingly, one or both of the first andsecond cutting portions 32, 36 may be removed from the body 24 andreplaced with a new or sharpened first and/or second cutting portions32, 36. After replacement of the first and/or second cutting portions32, 36, a user may continue using the bit 20 after only a relativelyshort interruption.

In some independent aspects and in some constructions, either or boththe first and second cutting portions 32, 36 may be formed of arelatively harder material (but more expensive material) to resist wear,and the remainder of the bit 20 may be formed from less hard material(and less expensive material) to reduce the overall cost of the bit 20.

Also, in some constructions, the body 24 of the bit 20 may be cable ofreceiving different types of cutting portions constructed to cutdifferent types of materials or combination of materials (wood, woodwith embedded nails, concrete, etc.). The different cutting portions maybe substitutably connectable to the body 24 of the bit 20 to provideoptimized cutting of a selected work piece of a specific material,combination of materials, etc.

With reference to FIGS. 5-8, an alternative construction of a bit 20A isillustrated. Like elements are identified with like reference numbers“A”. The bit 20A is similar to the multiple part bit system shown inFIGS. 1-4, but the body 24A and the cutting portion 32A of the bit 20Aslide together to form a complete bit. The bit 20A includes the body24A, the first cutting portion 32A, and the second cutting portion 36A.The parts of the bit 20A include complementary structure to limit,impede, inhibit, resist and/or prevent relative rotation of the parts.

With further reference to FIGS. 5-8 and additional reference to FIG. 9,a hex-shaped projection 40 is formed on the body 24A and a complementaryhex-shaped recess 44 is formed in the cutting portion 32A.Alternatively, the hex-shaped projection may be formed on the cuttingportion 32A and the hex-shaped recess may be formed in the body 24A.Inter-engagement of the hex-shaped structures 40, 44 limits, impedes,resists, inhibits and/or prevents relative rotation of the parts.

With reference to FIGS. 10-12, other complementary structures, such as,for example, square, triangle, non-circular, eccentric, partially flat,etc., may be provided to limit, impede, resist, inhibit and/or preventrelative rotation of the parts. In other constructions, othercomplementary structure formed on other portions of the bit (e.g., thebit threads, etc.) may be provided to limit, impede, resist, inhibitand/or prevent relative rotation of the parts.

Referring back to FIGS. 5-8, the body 24A and cutting portion 32A arescrewed together with the removable and/or replaceable feed screw 36A.The feed screw 36A includes a threaded rear portion 38A which isinserted through the opening 39A in the cutting portion 32A andthreadedly engageable in a threaded recess 26A in the body 24.

FIG. 13 illustrates another construction of a multiple part bit system.Like elements are identified with like reference numbers “B”. In thisconstruction, the body 24B has external threads 48 defined in an outersurface thereof and the cutting portion 32B has internal threads 52defined therein complimentary to the external threads 48 on the body24B. The cutting portion 32B threads onto and off of the body 24B tofacilitate removal and replacement of the cutting portion 32B. The body24B may include a stop 56 engageable by the cutting portion 32B when thecutting portion 32B is completely threaded onto the body 24B. The stop56 inhibits the cutting portion 32B from rotating relative to the body24B during operation of the bit 20B. In some constructions, the cuttingportion 32B includes two parts 32B′, 32B″ and the body 24B has two setsof external threads, course threads 48′ and fine threads 48″. In suchconstructions, the first cutting portion 32B′ is threaded onto the body24B first and the second cutting portion 32B″ is threaded onto the body24B second until it mates with the first cutting portion 32B′. Thesecond cutting portion 32B″ is threaded onto the fine threads 48″, whichfacilitates finer adjustment of the second cutting portion 32B″ relativeto the first cutting portion 32B′ to ensure proper mating of the twocutting portions 32B′, 32B″.

With reference to FIGS. 14-17, another alternative construction of amultiple part bit system is illustrated. Like elements are identifiedwith like reference numbers “C”. In this construction, the cuttingportion 32C is relatively small. Such a cutting portion 32C may be madeof a relatively higher grade material. The end 60 of the body 24Cadjacent the cutting portion 32C has a sharp edge or projection 64 andthe cutting portion 32C includes a recess 68 defined in a surfacethereof. To connect the cutting portion 32C to the body 24C, the edge orprojection 64 is positioned in the recess 68, the feed screw 36C isinserted through the opening 39C in the cutting portion 32C, threadedinto the threaded recess 26C in the body 24C, and tightened to compressthe cutting portion 32C between the body 24C and the feed screw 36C. Theengagement between the edge or projection 64 and the recess limits,impedes, resists, inhibits and/or prevents relative rotation of the body24C and the cutting portion 32C.

In some constructions, a bit may include a replaceable cutting edgeand/or feed screw. Such a construction is not limited to just thephysical cutting edge or screw but may include a replaceable end. Withreference to FIGS. 18-20, another alternative construction of a multiplepart bit system is illustrated. Like elements are identified with likereference numbers “D”. One option may be a step like bit cuttingportions 32D. In such a construction, the cutting portions 32D may bedefined as the first 1″ to 3″ of the actual cutting end of the bit 20D,and this end could be interchangeable with 4″, 6″ and 18″ long cuttingportions. The bit 20D includes a spur 72 that provides a very clean,smooth edged hole. Spurs 72 are sometimes susceptible to damage. In someconstructions, the bit 20D may be useable with a removable and/orreplaceable spur. Such a spur may eliminate the need to manufacture,sell and/or purchase both styles (an auger bit with a spur and an augerbit without a spur) and may be sold separately to those users needing aclean hole. The bit 20D may also include a carbide tip replaceablecutting edge and/or feed screw. Each of the cutting portions 32D includeand opening 76 initiating at an end thereof and extending through a sideof the cutting portions 32D. The opening 76 allows cut debris to betransferred from the cutting position, out the side of the cuttingportions 32D, and away from the cutting position. The cutting portions32D can be connected to each other in a variety of manners includingthreading, snap-fit, tongue and groove, ball-detent, etc.

It should be understood that each bit construction disclosed herein iscapable of having features shown and described in other bitconstructions. Also, the bit constructions are capable of having otherfeatures. For example, in some constructions, the bit may have a flutedesign which, rather than having a flat surface, may provide a “twistbit like” flute. Such a bit may provide a smaller surface area incontact with work piece (e.g., wood), resulting in less drag on the workpiece. Also for example, in some constructions, the bit may have animproved cutting edge and may have improved re-sharpenability of thecutting edge. The tip portion may be removable for re-sharpening and,during re-sharpening, may be replaced with a tip portion having asharpened edge. If off-site re-sharpening is required, only the worn tipportions need to be taken for re-sharpening. Further for example, insome constructions, the bit may be provided with a feed screw which maybe relatively larger and/or taller. In any case, in independent aspects,the bit may be a better value product due, in part, to one or more ofthe convenience of a replaceable tip, the flexibility to switch tocarbide tip, an overall lower cost, etc.

Typical users of these tool elements include electricians, plumbers,mechanical contractors, general contractors, metal fabricators,HVAC/sheet metal, MRO, utilities, municipalities, remodelers, servicetrades, manufacturing/assembly, stick builders, drywallers, cableinstallers, pest control, automotive aftermarket, woodworkers, DIYersand others. The tool elements may be distributed through electrical,contractor/tool specialty, industrial, plumbing/heating, welding,hardware, rental, home center, catalog, or other channels.

In many industries, these tool elements have a high usage, in remotelocations, at all times (of the day, week, year) and in all weatherconditions. In other industries and/or with other users, usage of thetool elements may be lower and cost may be a more important factor.

In the utility industries, users are typically drilling through holes inwood power poles and may prefer a spur bit which leaves clean hole forthrough bolts. An electrician is typically using a tool element to runwire, conduit, Romex, etc., through wood, and a plumber typically uses atool element to run copper, PVC, ABS pipe, etc., through wood.

With municipalities, these tool elements are used for a wide varietytasks, such as, for example, mass transit, subway track repair, roadand/or barrier repairs and installation, street sign installation, etc.Remodelers and landscape maintenance workers may use the tool elementsfor miscellaneous plumbing and/or electrical installations and repairssuch as pre-drilling holes to fasten retaining wall timbers together,etc.

With cable installers, small diameter auger bits are typically used forcable and phone lines. Cost may be extremely important because theseusers are often subcontractors, are paid by the job, and can be requiredto provide their own tools. Do-it-yourselfers (DIYers) typicallyconsider overall cost and/or cost of replacement as important factors.

In any case, the tool elements or bits may dull after extended use, thetooth and/or feed screw may damage (e.g., when impacting imbeddedobjects), and/or the spur, if provided, may dull quickly or be easilydamaged. However, in each case, the shaft and auger are not normallydamaged during use. Labor costs may be extreme if the tool element fails(inconvenient and expensive to replace the bit, inconvenient to send thebit for re-sharpening, etc.). In independent aspects, the illustratedconstructions may provide a tool element with a convenient, easy and/orcost effective way to sharpen the tip portion (by replacement), replacecutting edge/feed screw, etc.

One or more portions of the tool element, the manufacture of the toolelement and the operation of the tool element may be similar to thatshown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,978, issued Apr. 5, 2005; theentire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures arepresented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitationupon the concepts and principles of the present invention.

1. A tool element for cutting a workpiece, the tool element comprising:a body including a shank for connecting the tool element to a powertool; a first cutting portion formed as part of the body and defining afirst removing pattern; and a cutting element removably coupled to thebody and including a second cutting portion defining a second removingpattern, the second removing pattern being a substantial continuation ofthe first removing pattern.
 2. The tool element of claim 1, wherein thetool element is a drill bit.
 3. The tool element of claim 1, wherein thecutting element is connected to the body by twisting the cutting elementand the body together.
 4. The tool element of claim 1, wherein thecutting element is connected to the body by sliding the tool element andthe body together.
 5. The tool element of claim 1, wherein the body andthe cutting element include complementary structures to inhibit rotationof the cutting element relative to the body.
 6. The tool element ofclaim 5, wherein one of the body and the cutting element includes apolygonal shaped protrusion and the other of the body and the cuttingelement includes a polygonal shaped recess, the polygonal shapedprojection being received within the polygonal shaped recess toremovably couple the cutting element to the body and inhibit rotation ofthe cutting element relative to the body.
 7. The tool element of claim1, wherein the cutting element is a first cutting element, the toolelement further comprising a second cutting element removably coupled tothe body and including a third cutting portion defining a third removingpattern.
 8. The tool element of claim 7, wherein the second cuttingelement is a feed screw.
 9. The tool element of claim 7, wherein thethird cutting portion retains the second cutting portion between thefirst cutting portion and the third cutting portion.
 10. The toolelement of claim 1, wherein the tool element is removable without theuse of a tool.
 11. The tool element of claim 1, wherein the firstremoval pattern is a helix.
 12. A tool element for cutting a workpiece,the tool element comprising: a body including a shank for connecting thetool element to a power tool and a helical portion arranged to directmaterial toward the shank; a first cutting element removably connectedto the body and defining one and only one cutting surface; and a secondcutting element removably connected to the body such that the firstcutting element is retained between the body and the second cuttingelement when the second cutting element is connected to the body. 13.The tool element of claim 12, wherein the tool element is a drill bit.14. The tool element of claim 12, wherein the first cutting element isconnected to the body by sliding the first cutting element and the bodytogether.
 15. The tool element of claim 12, wherein the body and thefirst cutting element include complementary structures to inhibitrotation of the first cutting element relative to the body.
 16. The toolelement of claim 12, wherein the first cutting element and the secondcutting element include complimentary structures to inhibit rotation ofthe first cutting element relative to the body.
 17. The tool element ofclaim 12, wherein the tool element is removable without the use of atool.
 18. The tool element of claim 12, wherein the second cuttingelement is a feed screw.
 19. A tool element for cutting a workpiece, thetool element comprising: a body including a shank for connecting thetool element to a power tool; a first cutting element removablyconnected to the body and defining one and only one cutting surface; anda second cutting element removably connected to the body such that thefirst cutting element is between the body and the second cutting elementwhen the second cutting element is connected to the body.
 20. The toolelement of claim 19, wherein the body includes one of a projection and arecess and the first cutting element includes the other of theprojection and recess, and wherein at least a portion of the projectionis received within the recess to connect the first cutting element tothe body.